A – Z OF HELPFUL HINTS– written by Arch students for students.
Accommodation – To make sure you find a safe place to stay, look at the advice page from edinburgh city council. You can e-mail them for more help - letwise@edinburgh.gov.uk If possible, share a flat with people of other nationalities so you have to practise speaking English.
Banks – If you are studying for more than a term, you should be able to open a basic account, which allows paying in and withdrawing cash, but you are unlikely to receive overdraft or credit card services. You will need a letter to prove your address (school can help) & your passport.
Charity shops – for cheap clothes, books etc the best places are charity shops – best areas are Nicholson Street, Stockbridge and Morningside.
Council tax – make sure you have applied for exemption from Council tax as a student or you will have to pay a lot of money – ask the school for help if necessary & see http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Council/Council_tax_and_finance/
Dentist – emergency treatment may be free at Chambers Street for European students.
See http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/emergencies/dentist.asp or phone 0131 537 8444
Emergency numbers – 999 for real emergencies - for non–urgent matters – phone police local office (http://www.192.com/search/search.cfm)
Food – cheapest are Tesco, Lidl and Asda– best quality Sainsbury – small corner shops are better for fruit and vegetables.
GP – to register with the doctor you will need your passport or ID & police registration. telephoning 0131 537 8488 or try http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/emergencies/gp.asp
All international students studying in the UK for six months or more are eligible to receive full health care under the National Health Service. This includes hospital treatment as an in-patient, the treatment of pre-existing conditions and full maternity services.
National Health helpline Tel. 08454 24 24 24 www.nhs24.com
Internet – free access at public libraries – no need to be a member (see under Library below)
Free Interpreters - will help e.g. if you need to go to doctor contact the Interpretation and Translation Service (ITS) Address: Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG Tel: 0131 242 8181 http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/city_living/interpretation_and_translation_services/
Jobs – try www.gumtree.com European students – no restrictions. Others - check your visa – usually 10 hours a week maximum during terms & full time in the holidays Scotcareers – will help you prepare a CV & give 15 copies free.
http://www.scotcareers.co.uk/ or try http://www.careers-scotland.org.uk/Howtoapply/Leaflets/Leaflets.asp for more help.
Know your address ! –Write it on a piece of paper and always carry it with you in case you get lost.
Join the public Library to borrow books free and DVDs, CDs etc for a small charge– you will need to show two proofs of identity, one of which shows your current address, One of these MUST have a signature. The biggest library is the Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH11EG.Tel: 0131 242 8000 0131 242 8000 but there are local ones too. For more information see http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/leisure/Libraries
Loyalty cards – if you don’t mind shops knowing personal information about you, you will receive money off items if you save points by using a loyalty card e.g. in supermarkets or Boots advantage card when you buy things.
Mobile phone – buy a "pay as you go" – try Orange, 3, Vodaphone or T mobile. For phoning home use an International phone card - £5 from any corner shop – best to use with landline - dial number then put in password – then dial number. To avoid problems if your phone is stolen, register it with www.immobilise.com
If you have access to a computer, use MSN Messenger or Skype to speak to friends and family at home free of charge.
National insurance number – make sure you get this at the job centre within 6 months of getting a job
– take your passport & letter from employer. Call first & make appointment – 0845 600 0643 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday).
Out late on your own? It’s safer to order a Taxi from Central Taxis (black cabs) 0131 229 246800
Police Registration If your passport says Register with Police you should visit The Nationality Department, Lothian and Borders Police Headquarters,Fettes Avenue Edinburgh, EH4 1RB Tel No: 0131 311 3171- open Monday-Friday 9am – 11.30am within 7 days of arriving. You will need to take: Your passport, 1 passport-sized photograph, a letter from the school with details of your studies and the fee of £34 (cash) More information at http://www.lbp.police.uk/information/nationality/faqs.asp You must also tell the police within 7 days if there is a change to your address, studies or if you are granted an extension of your leave to remain
Post offices – Nearest Post offices to Bristo are in Raeburn Place (Stockbridge), Frederick Street or West Maitland Street.
Questions – For help with problems, filling up forms etc contact Citizens Advice Bureau http://www.cas.org.uk/ - central office 58 Dundas Street phone 0131 557 1500
A 16-25 Railcard (formerly Young Persons Railcard) costs £24 and it'll save you 1/3 on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a year. You're eligible if you're aged between 16-25, or over the age of 26 and in full-time education. http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/what-is-a-16-25-railcard
Ridacards for unlimited travel on Lothian buses cost £37 for over 25s & £29 per month for young students (between 16 & 25 in full-time education. Proof of age & student status needed).You pay £3 for the card – they take photos but you need to pay by direct debit from a bank account. You can also get a prepaid ridacard for 1 or 4 weeks or a year or packs of 21 single tickets for £21 from travelshops) from Lothian Buses travel shops at
Waverley Bridge, Hanover Street or Shandwick Place Don’t forget to get a route map & timetables.
If you don’t have a ridacard you will need exact change for the bus – single rides cost £1.10 & a day ticket costs £2.50. More information at http://www.lothianbuses.com/ridacard.php
A Student Identity card will let you have discounts for travel, cinema, some shops, restaurants (e.g. Pizza Hut, Burger King) & many more. Costs £9 See http://www.statravel.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/uk_division_web_live/hs.xsl/ISIC-card.htm
Try http://www.studentrecommended.co.uk/ for student discounts
TV – Don’t forget to buy a Licence or you could be in big trouble!! http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1/
Toilet paper – it’s OK to throw it down the toilet!
Umbrellas – are OK, but not much use if it’s windy (and it often is) so have a good raincoat or waterproof jacket.
Visa – for information about extending your stay speak to the school and look at http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/
Water – tap water should!?! be safe to drink but sometimes has a funny taste because of the chemicals they put in it to make it safe.
eXercise Buy a second-hand bike (and a good lock!) for free transport and exercise. Council sports centres have student leisure cards for cheaper rates if you are a regular - see http://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/detail-70 It’s also possible to use the Centre for Sport and Exercise,
University of Edinburgh 46 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ 0131 650 2585 at certain times if you buy their card.
See http://www.sport.ed.ac.uk/memberships/charges/charges.shtml
Yes, you’re right! We couldn’t think of any advice beginning with Y, except enjoy Yourself!
A to Z – buy an Edinburgh A to Z street atlas (from bookshops or garages) and carry it with you so you don’t get lost.